Mexico Culture

The ethnic and regional diversity, as well as the socioeconomic divisions within the population make Mexico a truly culturally heterogeneous country. Among rural people, there are strong regional affinities and allegiances, often referred to as patria chica ("small homeland") that helps to perpetuate cultural diversity. The large number of extant Indian languages and customs, especially in the south, also accentuate cultural differences. In an attempt to unite the nation culturally by identifying a uniquely Mexican culture, the government has vigorously supported indigenous folk arts and crafts as well as the European-inspired classical arts. In fact, since the 1930s, indigenismo, or pride in the Indian heritage, has been a major unifying theme of the country.

Many Mexican writers and artists have received worldwide acclaim for their creativity and innovativeness. Within their work, both folk and classical tradition has been quite strong.

The country's best-known writers have gained their reputations by dealing with questions of universal significance, as did Samuel Ramos, whose philosophical speculations on man and culture in Mexico influenced post-1945 writers in several genres. The prolific critic and cultural analyst Octavio Paz is considered to be the foremost poet of Latin America. The novels of Carlos Fuentes are honored throughout the world, Gustavo Sainz is a leader in Spanish-language literature, and Juan José Arreola's fantasies are universally admired. Among dramatists, Rodolfo Usigli has been extremely influential, while Luisa Josefina Hernández and Emilio Carballido have also made significant contributions.

It would not be wrong to say that the most widely recognized Mexican art form is the mural, and the Mexican Muralist School counted among its members, the most powerful figures of the genre. The murals created by Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros, depicting aspects of the Mexican Revolution, the nation's modernization, and class struggle, have become legendary, and, among others, Rufino Tamayo and Juan Soriano have achieved distinct stature. Perhaps, the most popular of Mexico's folk artists is José Clemente Orozco, whose animated plaster-of-Paris skeleton characters are both satirical and lifelike.

Mexican popular music, especially ranchero and mariachi music, has attracted a wide following throughout the Spanish-speaking world, and Mexico City has become one of the major recording centers for the Americas. The country's motion pictures and television industries are among the largest in Latin America, producing films and programs that circulate throughout the region. Bullfighting is the country's national sport, and the Plaza México in Mexico City is one of the perfect venues for this spectacle. Soccer is still the most popular participatory sport, but baseball has attracted increasing numbers of spectators and players at both the professional and amateur level. Mexico has also produced a number of world champions in the lighter weight classes in professional boxing.